Frederick R. “Fred” Saatio

January 2, 2013

TWIN LAKES - Frederick R. Saatio, 77, a resident of Twin Lakes, died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012.

He was born in Calumet on Jan. 24, 1935, a son of the late Arthur and Lempi (Arglander) Saatio and attended Calumet High School.

On Dec. 16, 1957, he was married to the former Patricia Hocking in Houghton.

Fred worked as a heavy equipment operator for George Hocking Construction Co. in South Range, as well as other various construction companies. Prior to retirement, he was employed at U.P. Power Co. at Presque Isle in Marquette.

Fred was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Campaign from Oct. 1953 to June 1955.

Fred enjoyed the outdoors. He was able to drive anywhere in the woods with his Jeep 4WD that a 4-wheeler could go. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Fred was instrumental in completing the site work for the Houghton County Arena in Hancock and also helped to establish the Range Snowmobile Club. He also coached hockey in the Copper Country Jr. Hockey Association.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia; his children and grandchildren: Terri O'Neill and her children, Matt and Tiffany, Ray (Lisa) Saatio and their children, Ryan (Joanna), Kyle (Ashley), Dennis (Amber) and Eli, Randy (Julie) Saatio and their children, Scott, Brad and Kristin; three great-grandchildren, Morgan, Joseph and Olivia; one brother, Art (Kathy) Saatio; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his two Welsh Terriers, Ginger and Candy.

Besides his parents, Fred was also preceded in death by three sisters, Esther, Marie and Kathleen; and a brother, Rudy.

Private funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range with Fr. John Martignon to officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the charity of one's choice in Fred's memory.

Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.